Thursday, August 31, 2006

First Qatar Google Maps mashup

Update (Sep.4/06): The post title might be misleading - http://www.dohamap.info/ was launched last August and should enjoy the "first mashup" title for Qatar. :)

With the recent addition of Google Maps high-resolution satellite imagery in the Middle East region the tiny Arab country of Qatar is now officially on the map! In-country website QatarLiving.com is making use of this new imagery by establishing the Interactive Doha Map that allows users to plot "places" on the map with a description and image. The new mapping service allows users to plot where they are from in order to show the diversity of people living in Qatar since some 80% of the approximately 800,000 residents are expats. The satellite imagery for the city of Doha and the entire country makes for interesting sightseeing as well. Lots of construction, lavish hotel properties and some pretty impressive residential homes can all be seen by panning and zooming around Qatar from this mashup. The Interactive Doha Map will help bring these visible locations to life! :)